Public Awareness & Support Campaign
Public Awareness & Support Campaign
Welcome! To the official concept site of the Anna & Frederick Douglass Pavilion in Douglass Park, Chicago.
The design team is proposing an intentional public art space that strengthens community bonds through the following:
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Building Trust between neighbors.
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Creating space for honest conversation.
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Teaching the power of history and human rights.
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Partnering with neighbors across Douglas Park.
We’re only in the concept planning phase. The proposed pavilion design must first be approved by the Chicago Park District and community members before it’s constructed.
Design Evolution
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2021
Village Leadership Academy Public Awareness & Support Campaign
Student Advocacy Justice Restoration & Public Art from 2017-2020, students at the North Lawndale Village Leadership Academy led the charge to honor Anna and Frederick Douglass in a name change for the park. On September 9, 2020, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted to officially remove the name of Stephen Douglas from the park, and on November 18, 2020, the Board voted to officially name the park in honor of Anna and Frederick Douglass.
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2022-2023
Chicago Architectural Biennial AFD Pavillion Prototype
Chicago Architectural Biennial (CAB) invited the Pavillion design team to execute a pavilion prototype in Washington Park. Named the TESTI pavilions domed central structure and four arched tunnels became poetry reading and performance spaces in which area residents learned and reflected on the life and contributions of the Douglass family, particularly lesser-known figure Anna Douglass. “Tetisi” translates from Yoruba to “listen” in English signifying the importance of listening to and learning from each other. -
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2024 - 2027
Concept Design, Community Partnerships & Construction
Student Advocacy Justice Restoration & Public Art from 2017-2020, students at the North Lawndale Village Leadership Academy led the charge to honor Anna and Frederick Douglass in a name change for the park. On September 9, 2020, the Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners voted to officially remove the name of Stephen Douglas from the\ park and on November 18, 2020, the Board voted to officially name the park in honor of Anna and Frederick Douglass. -
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2028-2029
Grand Opening & Transfer Community Partners
We’ve developed critical relationships with the Chicago Parks District, Douglass Park team as well as received support from the Frederick Douglass Family Foundation (FDFI.org) and a Field Foundation planning grant. Our next phase of community outreach includes the Douglass Park Art Fair, Night In the Parks and meeting with area nonprofit leaders and community stewards. We anticipate construction through 2027-2028.
Official Support
The Anna & Frederick Douglass Pavilion has the support of the Frederick Douglass Family Initiatives (FDFI), nonprofit organization founded by direct descendants of Frederick Douglass and Booker T. Washington.
Frederick Douglass
Frederick Douglass was a pioneering abolitionist, acclaimed author and powerful orator whose advocacy transformed the fight against slavery in America. His unwavering commitment to justice, education and equal rights continues to inspire movements for freedom and human dignity around the world.
Booker T. Washington
Booker T. Washington was a pioneering educator and founder of the Tuskegee Institute whose work shaped the future of Black education in America. His commitment to knowledge, skilled craftsmanship and community empowerment continues to inspire leaders, educators, and entrepreneurs today.
Support the Public Awareness Campaign.
Support the Public Awareness Campaign.
Support & Partnership – Join In!
What do you think about the Anna & Frederick Douglass Pavilion design concept?
Take the Survey! Click below to begin the survey and express your support.
